Matalan extension to not go ahead?

NEW plans submitted to Tamworth Borough Council appear to show that the extension to the current Matalan store is not to go ahead… with a completely new unit proposed for the earmarked land.

The proposal will see an EIGHTH unit added to phase one of Ventura Retail Park with the new store new store stretching around the side and rear Matalan.

Previously we have published news of plans for the Matalan store to be extended – but this shows a change of direction by the developers.

Originally the planning committee granted permission for the side extension and mezzanine floor inside the matalan store on 20th April 2017.

Earlier this month, Matalan confirmed that they had no plans to close their store, even for a temporary time whilst their current store is extended. This indicated the possibility of a change to the original idea of a larger Matalan store – with some readers speculating that a larger retailer like Primark may take the larger store.

The proposed creation of Unit 8 will create 4,500 square meters of floor space which will be split over two floors.

The plans showing the creation of Unit 8.

Further Developments

Permission has been granted for the units on that phase of the Park to have new cladding to the outside and to modernise the look. The units look will be sticking to the appearance of Next. The plans show that the new frontages of the stores will be predominantly glazed and use new, modern materials.

In addition, units 2, 5 and 6; currently occupied by Halfords, Mothercare and Toys ‘R Us are to have Mezzanine floors installed. In the case of Halfords, extended.

The car park will also see a facelift, with extra spaces added and an improved access road; moving the main road away from the front of the stores to increase safety to pedestrians. An additional 146 parking spaces will be created.

An artists impression of the new look stores (prior to the change of heart for the Matalan store).

The planning statement which was prepared by the developers at the time of application stated that the whole development would bring significant economic benefit to Tamworth with the creation of around 66 jobs based on the additional floor space and the assumption of one full-time employee per 90m of floor space. This could add around £2.5 million to the local economy.

It is hoped by developers that the plans will ensure the major retails brands remain in Tamworth for years to come, securing existing employment.

A reminder that this work is being funded by a private company, J.B. Auctott, and not Tamworth Borough Council. The proposals, securing employment and big names is surely a good thing for the town!

Yes, as residents, we would love investments from big names in the Town Centre, but we cannot force the hands of the big names, they choose where they want to do business.